Lake Cochrane is a 355 acre spring-fed lake located in Deuel
County, SD near the MN/SD border. The residents who live around the lake have a
Gary, South Dakota address. Gary is located seven miles north.

Lake Cochrane is named for a pioneer, Bryon (By) Cochrane who
came to this area in April of 1872. He was the first permanent white settler in
Deuel County when he homesteaded the land on the south shores of the lake. He
lived at Lake Cochrane until his death in 1949. A historical marker can be
found on the south side of SD Hwy # 516 at the site of his log cabin.

When By Cochrane married Agnes Herrick of Gary, it was the
first wedding in Deuel County. The couple had three children. The Cochrane
Homestead Home located on East Lake Cochrane Drive is now owned by his great,
great grandson, Wayne Cochrane.

The eye-catching setting soon attracted other settlers. Areas
around the lake reflect thesettlers names. Other areas were named for the
landscape or for groups of people who used a particular area.

III.The
groups of people who used the lake-Methodist Bay, Isaac Walton

There have been several businesses around the lake. Jensenís
Resort served the needs of area residents in 1916-1971. Shady Beach Supper
Club is now located in that area. The Horstiens owned and operated a resort
just north of Shady Beach. They sold block ice, sundry items, fishing
licensees, and bait, held outdoor movies and rented swimming suits. Red Cross
swimming lessons were conducted there. Others entrepreneurs include a bait
shop, a hamburger place and a gun shop.

A stone bridge built either 1916 or 1917 located between 2856
and 2868 Edgewater Drive is listed as an historical site. At one time there was
a golf course and a dance pavilion at the lake.

In 1955, Art Bostic deeded three lots to the State of South
Dakota for $1.00 for a public beach. The sandy beach on the north side of the
lake was later incorporated into the present State Park Recreational Area. It
contains thirty camp sites with electricity, water, dump station, comfort
station, swimming beach, childrenís play area and rental cabin.

The Department of Game, Fish and Parks of SD owns a section
along the west shore. It maintains a public boat landing there.

Lake Cochrane is a fishermanís delight. Northern pike,
walleye, bass, crappies, perch and bluegills provide excitement for the angler.
The State monitors fish population and has stocked the lake many times. In the
winter, many fish houses spring up at the lake. The South Dakota Game Fish &
Parks indicates that in 2002 the mean depth was 13.2 feet and the maximum depth
was 24 feet.

Disclaimer: All information on this site is
deemed reliable but not guaranteed.